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Thesis Web Dialogue

English Abstract

This paper describes development work where
an application specially adapted for essay-writing and supervision has been
constructed, developed and tested. The aim of the programme development has
been to create support for essay-writing and supervision.

With the ambition of reinforcing important
ingredients for effective supervision and essay-writing the aim and
requirements for the Thesis Web Dialogue were formulated. The chief aim from
the tutor's perspective was to facilitate organizing his or her supervision and
efficiently follow and support the essay-writer. The essay-writers' chief aim
was to find easy access to tutor support and information relevant to their
essay work. The Thesis Web
Dialogue was continuously developed and evaluated, a process
which culminated on two evaluation occasions.

The majority of the tutors and
essay-writers who had tested or been introduced to the Thesis
Web Dialogue are positive to its idea and function. The most positive is the student
group. A few students have expressed their scepticism vis-à-vis the Thesis Web
Dialogue. Some of these students feel uncertain when confronted with the
technology, while some apparently want to avoid be subjected to higher demands
and greater insight into their essay work.

The result shows that the Thesis Web
Dialogue can be of great help to many students and tutors. It is probably
especially suitable for distance courses and/or essay courses where the tutor
follows the essay-writers for a fairly long time.